Confirmed Transfers 2014/2015

[King Binny]

FC Basel - Paulo Sousa (Head Coach)

[article=http://www.fcb.ch/news/show/byItemID/de-de/10044/32285/16/7]FC Basel have named Paulo Sousa as their new coach following the departure of Murat Yakin earlier this summer.

The 43-year-old Portuguese has signed a three-year contract with the Swiss champions.

Sousa was most recently with Maccabi Tel Aviv, winning the Israeli league, after previous spells in charge of Queens Park Rangers, Swansea, Leicester and Videoton in Hungary.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Charlton - Bob Peetersn (Head Coach)

[article=http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/20140527-bob-peeters-appointed-head-coach-1574983.aspx]Bob Peeters has been appointed as Head Coach of Charlton Athletic, the club announced on Tuesday evening.

The former Belgium international takes over from José Riga, who left the club following the expiration of his short-term deal which lasted until the end of the 2013/14 season.

Peeters has previously taken charge of Cercle Bruuge and KAA Gent and arrives at The Valley after ensuring Waasland-Beveren’s survival in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League.

During his playing career Peeters made 13 appearances for Belgium and scored four goals, including a hat-trick against San Marino in February 2001.

The former striker also played for Lierse, Roda JC Kerkrade and Vitesse Arnhem in Holland and Racing Club Genk in Belgium.

Peeters takes control of the club following Riga’s brief spell in charge in SE7.

The former Standard Liege boss guided the Addicks to Championship survival with seven wins and three draws from his 16 games in charge alongside Assistant Head Coach Karel Fraeye, who has also left the club following the end of his contract.

Peeters will work alongside Damian Matthew, Charlton's former U18s coach and current First-Team coach, while former Assistant Manager Alex Dyer has also left the club after three-and-a-half years at The Valley.

Dyer arrived in SE7 shortly after Chris Powell's appointment as Manager in January 2011 and the pair went on to guide Charlton to the League One title in 2012 with a record-equalling 101 points, before continuing to work alongside Riga and Fraeye following Powell’s departure.

Forty-year-old Peeters becomes the 23rd man to take permanent charge of Charlton’s first team.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Cardiff - Adam Le Fondre (undisclosed fee, reportedly )

[article=http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/article/adam-le-fondre-confirmation-1577522.aspx]Cardiff City are pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached with Reading for the signing of striker Adam Le Fondre for an undisclosed fee, subject to league ratification.

Signing on a three-year-deal, the 27-year-old frontman arrives as Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s fourth signing of the summer, following Javi Guerra, Guido Burgstaller and Federico Macheda through the door at Cardiff City Stadium after successfully completing his medical.

Le Fondre arrives with an impressive scoring pedigree, proven at every level of British football. In three years at Madejski Stadium he netted 41 goals in 109 games including 12 goals in the Barclays Premier League in 2012-13.

Speaking following his move to the Welsh capital, Adam said: “It’s such a great opportunity for me to come here to Cardiff City and play for a boyhood hero of mine in Ole Gunnar Solskjær, it was a move I just couldn’t say no to.

“I’m delighted to be working with Ole and I can’t wait to get started. Scoring is what I’m about, I’ve often got into double figures during my career although looking back at last season it’s one I really wanted to score more in personally.

“They are the high standards I set myself and now the aim is to do that with Cardiff City.”

Stockport born front man Le Fondre started his career with local club Stockport County making his debut in 2004, scoring 20 goals in 91 appearances in total before joining League Two rivals Rochdale where he scored 38 goals in 67 starts for the club.

His scoring prowess continued to flourish at Rotherham United where he quickly became a Millers hero with 58 goals in just two seasons in South Yorkshire to attract the admiring eyes of clubs ready to give him a chance at a higher level.

August 2011 saw him arrive at Sky Bet Championship side Reading, scoring 12 goals as the Royals claimed promotion to the Barclays Premier League as Champions under then manager Brian McDermott.

The following year saw Le Fondre prove his credentials at the very top level, netting 14 goals in 37 appearances, despite the Royals’ struggles in the Premier League that season. It was form that continued in the Sky Bet Championship last season, netting 15 goals in 40 appearances in all competitions.

In just under three years in Berkshire Adam made 110 appearances in all competitions, 51 coming as a substitute to make his scoring tally of 41 goals from 59 starts look all the more impressive.

All at Cardiff City FC welcome Adam’s arrival and thank our colleagues at Reading for their assistance in the transfer.[/article]
Already Cardiff's 3rd striker signing this window.

 

[King Binny]

Jordi Gomez - Sunderland (free transfer)

[article=http://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2014/may/gomez-agrees-move]Sunderland AFC has confirmed that Spanish midfielder Jordi Gomez has agreed a three-year deal at the Stadium of Light and will become a Sunderland player from July 1.

The 29-year-old began his career in his native Spain, rising through the youth ranks at FC Barcelona before moving across the Catalonian city to RCD Espanyol in 2007, where he spent two years.

A successful loan spell with Swansea City in 2008 led to a permanent switch to then-Barclays Premier League side Wigan Athletic in 2009, with manager Roberto Martinez signing him for a second time in successive seasons.

During his time at the DW Stadium, Gomez helped the Latics lift the FA Cup in 2013 and scored 11 goals in his last campaign with the club, which culminated in the midfielder winning the Player of the Year award.

Gomez is the club's second new face in as many days after full-back Billy Jones agreed a deal on Wearside having spent the last three seasons with West Bromwich Albion.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Swansea - Lukasz Fabianski (free transfer)

[article=http://www.swanseacity.net/news/article/fabianski-joins-1577758.aspx]Swansea City is pleased to announce the club’s first summer signing with the arrival of goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski from Arsenal.

The Polish international has signed a four-year deal with the club which will be activated on July 1 when his current agreement at the Emirates expires.

The 29-year-old, who has 21 caps, arrives at the Liberty Stadium on a free transfer and becomes manager Garry Monk’s first signing since taking over at the helm.

Fabianski ends a seven-year spell with Arsenal, having played his last game in the FA Cup final win over Hull City at Wembley earlier this month.

He now provides strong competition to become Monk’s first-choice keeper at the Liberty along with Dutch international Michel Vorm and Gerhard Tremmel.

Fabianski, voted Poland’s best top-flight keeper in each season during his two-year spell at Legia Warsaw before a £2million move to the Gunners in 2007, spent the majority of his time at The Emirates as an understudy.

But he signed off on a winning note as his penalty-shootout heroics helped Arsenal to the FA Cup final after a tense semi-final clash with Wigan. Arsene Wenger again included him in his starting XI as the Gunners ended a nine-year wait for a trophy after beating Hull in a dramatic final.

On top of domestic duties, Fabianski also managed 14 appearances in the Champions League under Wenger, with his most recent coming in the 1-1 draw at Bayern Munich – in which he saved a penalty - in March as Arsenal bowed out in the last 16 stage. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Levante - José Luis Mendilibar (Head Coach)

[article]Jose Luis Mendilibar was appointed Thursday as the new coach of La Liga side Levante on a one-year contract with an option for a second season, the Spanish club announced.

"An agreement in principle (...) ties the two parties together for the 2014/15 season with the possibility of extending the contract by a further year," read a statement on Levante's website.

Mendilibar, 53, had been out of a job following his dismissal last September from Osasuna, who were relegated from the Spanish top flight on the final day of the season.

Mendilibar also previously had managerial spells at Eibar, Athletic Bilbao and Valladolid.

He takes over the Levante hotseat from Joaquin Caparros, who on Wednesday joined La Liga rivals Granada on a two-year deal just days after Spanish media reported he was set to sign an extension with Levante having guided them to a 10th-place finish.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Granada - Joaquin Caparros (Head Coach)

[article]Joaquin Caparros has made a swift return to Primera Division management by taking the head coach's role at Granada.

The well-travelled 58-year-old left Levante on Tuesday after talks over a contract extension broke down and he has now replaced Lucas Alcaraz at Granada.

A statement published on the Andalusian club's official website read: "Sevillan coach Joaquin Caparros will take charge of Granada for the next two seasons.

"The club and coach reserve the option to extend the contract into a third year."

Caparros, who can also number Real Mallorca, Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal among his former clubs, guided Levante to a 10th-placed finish in the 2013-14 La Liga season.

His principal career achievements include steering Sevilla into the top flight in 2001 and overseeing Athletic Bilbao's run to the final of the Copa del Rey in 2010.

"He comes from a Levante team that had a great season," Granada's statement continued. "He comes to our club to bring, hope, energy and motivation so we can have a great campaign next season."

Caparros replaces 47-year-old Alcaraz, who decided to step down as head coach last week having secured Granada's future in La Liga with a final-day victory at Real Valladolid.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

West Ham - Mauro Zarate (free transfer)

[article=http://www.whufc.com/articles/20140528/zarate-signs_2236884_3864326]West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of prolific Argentine forward Mauro Zarate.

The gifted Zarate, who becomes the Hammers' first summer capture, will join the Club on a three-year contract with a further one-year option from Velez Sarsfield when the international transfer window opens next month.

The 27-year-old arrives at the Boleyn Ground having enjoyed a prolific season in his homeland, where he finished as leading scorer in the Primera Division Torneo Final with 13 goals in 19 appearances, and 20 in 35 in all competitions

A skilful attacker capable of playing in a centre forward or withdrawn role and scoring spectacular goals, the Haedo-born player also numbers Birmingham City and Italian giants Lazio and Internazionale among his former clubs.

Having returned for a second spell in the Premier League, Zarate wants to show West Ham fans exactly what he can do.

"My reaction is that I am very happy to be at West Ham," said the forward, who becomes the fifth Argentine to represent the Club following Mauricio Taricco, Lionel Scaloni, Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tévez. "This is a new chance for me and I want to play.

"I think I played well for Velez this season and that was important for me. I had some good team-mates and they helped to make it a fantastic season for me.

"If you ask me what I can bring to the squad then I say I hope I will bring goals! I will also bring dribbling skills and other attacking qualities.

"West Ham is a very important Club and we know all about them and the Premier League in Argentina. This Club is a beautiful Club. I know English football from my time at Birmingham and I hope I will play well and reach the highest possible level."

After a fantastic season in his homeland, Zarate has big ambitions for his new Club.

"My aim is come here and do my best in order to help the Club to climb as high as possible in the table and to reach European competition again."

Looking back at the new boy's career, Zarate joined Velez Sarsfield as a schoolboy, making his debut against Arsenal de Sarandi in April 2004, just a month past his 17th birthday.

Strong, skilful and blessed with a low centre of gravity, he quickly established himself in the El Fortín forward line, scoring 47 goals in 135 appearances in all competitions. He won the Argentine Primera Division Clausura title in 2005 and was top goalscorer in the Apertura championship in 2006.

Zarate joined Qatari side Al-Sadd in summer 2007 before moving to Birmingham City in January of the following year. At St Andrews, he netted four goals in 14 Premier League games.

The forward moved to Lazio, where he quickly enamoured himself by scoring twice on his full debut at Cagliari and again on his home debut against Sampdoria. In three seasons at the Stadio Olimpico, he netted 33 times in 119 appearances in all competitions.

Summer 2011 saw Zarate move to Internazionale, where he spent 18 months before moving back to first club Velez Sarsfield in July 2013.
At international level, he helped Argentina win the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2007, partnering Manchester City's Sergio Aguero and scoring the winning goal in the final victory over Czech Republic.

"I speak with Sergio always and he told me to come to England because it is the football for me," added Zarate, who will report for pre-season training with his new team-mates on 3 July.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

West Ham - Teddy Sheringham (Attacking Coach)

[article=http://www.whufc.com/articles/20140529/sheringham-returns_2236884_3856425]West Ham United are delighted to announce the news that former West Ham United and England striker Teddy Sheringham has returned to the Club as an attacking coach.

Sheringham will join Sam Allardyce's existing backroom staff for the start of pre-season, with the specific remit of developing the Club's attacking play.
The 48-year-old, who joins the Club on a part-time basis, admitted he jumped at the chance to join forces with Big Sam at the Boleyn Ground.

"I'm very excited. Sam phoned me a week or so ago and asked me if I fancied it. It was far too good to resist really," said childhood West Ham fan Sheringham, who played alongside Big Sam at Millwall as a youngster and has known the manager for more than 30 years.

"Being a West Ham boy and coming from the area, it fits nicely in all that I'm about, what with working alongside Sam and knowing a few of the players as well. They've got a lot of respect for Sam, they speak very highly of him and to know that's the case made me want to get involved.

"I know the environment, I know everything about West Ham, so it was just too good an opportunity to turn down.

"I've had a couple of offers since I've been out of the game, which didn't feel quite right but, when this came along, it felt just right for me. I'm delighted to be coming back to the Club."

With the likes of Andy Carroll, Carlton Cole and the newly-recruited Mauro Zarate set to be under his tutelage, Sheringham is keen to share all his experience and expertise.

He continued: "Having played as a striker for years, Sam wants me to add something along those lines. Anything I can do to be of help, I'm very willing.

"I obviously know Carroll, Cole and Kevin Nolan and I understand there'll be a few more forward players that I could be working with and alongside to help improve."

A former Premier League Golden Boot winner and scorer of 147 top-flight goals, Sheringham will be asked to pass on his extensive knowledge to the Hammers' forwards as the Club targets more entertainment on the pitch next season.

The 48-year-old already possesses a deep understanding of the culture at West Ham, having spent three seasons at the Boleyn Ground as a player from 2004. In his first year, he helped the Club earn promotion to the Premier League via the Play-Offs, before featuring in the FA Cup final with Liverpool the following year. He was voted Hammer of the Year and the league's Player of the Year for his efforts during the 2004/05 campaign.

Sheringham enjoyed a glittering playing career prior to joining the Hammers, winning the UEFA Champions League, three Premier League titles and an FA Cup with Manchester United.

After starting his career with Millwall, the forward also starred in the colours of Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth before ending his career with Colchester United in 2008 at the age of 42.

He also excelled for England, earning 51 caps and scoring eleven goals and playing at two FIFA World Cups and the UEFA European Championship finals in 1996.

In addition to the individual honours he won with West Ham, Sheringham was voted into the Premier League Team of the Year and named both PFA Players' Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year in for 2000/01.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Barcelona - Carles Puyol (Assistant Sporting Director)

[article=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/carles-puyol-new-assistant-to-sports-management]FC Barcelona has announced that Carles Puyol will from next September be joining the Football Department, currently run by Andoni Zubizarreta, as an assistant to the sports management team.

The appointment of Puyol means that one of the most emblematic captains in club history will be remaining at the club, a desire that was already expressed by the president, directors, coaches and players during his farewell event last May 15.

Puyol was thrilled with the news. "I want to thank FC Barcelona for all that it has given me before and for this chance that has arisen now” he said. “I will try to the very best I can, and especially to learn a lot.” He added that “I have always played football and tried to do so as well as possible, and I’ll be doing the same with this. Now I need some time to rest and continue treatment on my knee, but I am really looking forward to it. I am very excited about this new stage of my life.”

Andoni Zubizarreta, the director of sport for football, also expressed his pleasure on hearing the news. "Puyol is joining the Football Department and we will be seeking to make the most his experience … We also want people to realise how much he knows. He will be an assistant to the sports management, so he’ll be working with me on club projects, both internally and externally."

He went on to say that “we’ll be working in more external areas like marketing and finance, and in the technical secretary area. I am sure I’ll learn a lot from him. We’ll have him close to all the teams, it’s a unique opportunity. A couple of years ago we spoke about what would be best for him and I’m sure he’ll come to realise that is what he’ll enjoy the most”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Shakhtar Donetsk - Oleksandr Gladkyi (free transfer)

[article=http://shakhtar.com/en/news/31858]FC Shakhtar has signed a contract with Oleksandr Hladkyi. The Ukrainian forward, who already defended the orange-and-black colours in the past, has rejoined the Donetsk club on a free transfer from FC Karpaty. This is a two-year deal with Oleksandr.

Oleksandr Hladkyi
Born August 24, 1987 in Lozova (Kharkiv oblast)
Played for Metalist, Kharkiv, Shakhtar, Dnipro and Karpaty
In the period from 2007 to 2010, he made 124 appearances and scored 38 goals for Shakhtar
He also made 8 apps and netted one goal for Ukraine national football team
UEFA Cup Winner 2009
Ukrainian League Winner 2008, 2009
Ukrainian Cup Winner 2008
Ukrainian Super Cup Winner 2008, 2010[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Malaga - Javier Gracia (Head Coach)

[article=http://www.malagacf.com/en/new/first-team/javier-gracia-named-as-malaga-club-futbols-new-coach/241/71482]Málaga Club de Fútbol has reached an agreement with Javier Gracia Carlos (Pamplona, 01/05/1970) for him to be the Blue and Whites’ coach for the next two seasons. Javier Gracia was a player in the First Division with Real Valladolid, Real Sociedad and Villarreal CF, and as coach he saw Cádiz CF promoted to the First Division in 2008/09 along with UD Almería in 2012/13. Gracia has taken part in European competition as manager of Greek side, Olympiakos Volou in 2011. The new Blue and Whites’ coach will be presented on Tuesday 3rd June at 12:30 p.m. at La Rosaleda stadium’s press room.

CAREER
As a player
Javier Gracia kicked off his footballing career in the lower ranks of Athletic Club de Bilbao, and at 22 years of age he went on to play 38 matches with UE Lleida, who were promoted to the First Division in 1992/93.

Gracia then moved to First Division side, Valladolid  in 1993/94 and 1994/95, before heading to Real Sociedad where he remained for four seasons, with the midfielder scoring 12 goals and the team finishing the 1997/98 season in third place.

Javier Gracia played a big part in Villarreal CF’s foundation for four seasons (1999-2002), seeing them promoted to the First Division, and finally he ended his player career with Córdoba CF in the Second Division.

As coach:
Javier Gracia's managerial career started in 2006/07 with Pontevedra CF, taking part in two Second Division promotion play-offs. He later saw Cadiz CF win the Second Division B championship and gain promotion to the Second Division (2008/09), the same division in which he headed up Villarreal CF's reserve team (2010/11).

Javier Gracia went on to join the Greek League as he became the Olympiakos Volou and Kerkyra FC coach. He reached the preliminary rounds of the Europa League with Olympiakos Volou in 2011/12, and after eliminating Luxembourg’s Differdange and Serbian side, FK Rad, the Greek team was disqualified from the competition by UEFA, before they were due to face Paris Saint Germain in the final round.

On his return to Spain, Javier Gracia saw UD Almeria promoted to the First Division in 2012/13 following victory in the promotion play-offs. Lastly, Javier Gracia took charge of CA Osasuna last year after the season had already started.[/article]

 

[BlitzAce]

This has to be my favourite thread in the forum every season. Great work as always Binny.

 

[King Binny]

Borussia Dortmund - Ciro Immobile (reportedly €19.5 million)

[article=http://www.bvb.de/eng/News/Overview/Ciro-Immobile-moves-to-Borussia-Dortmund]Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of Ciro Immobile. The Italian international, who finished the season as top scorer in Serie A (22 goals), will be joining the eight-time German champions from Torino FC on 1 July 2014.

”With Ciro Immobile we are getting a versatile and dynamic striker who has established himself in a top European league in an impressive manner. His outstanding qualities fit perfectly with the profile required by Borussia Dortmund“, said sporting director Michael Zorc.

The 24-year-old Italian signed a five-year contract with BVB on Monday. Both clubs have agreed not to disclose details of the deal.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Eintracht Frankfurt - Makoto Hasebe (undisclosed fee)

[article=http://www.eintracht.de/english/news/45826/]Eintracht signed Japanese midfielder Makoto Hasebe from 1. FC Nürnberg. The 30-year old captain of Japan's national side agreed on a 2-year deal, just ahead of participating in the World Cup in Brazil.

Hasebe joined VfL Wolfsburg in 2007/2008 from Urawa Red Diamonds and played for six years (135 games, 5 goals) for the Wolves. He was part of Wolfsburg's regulars during the season 2008/09 (25 games) in which they won the German title. Ahead of last season he joined Nürnberg (14 games).[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Stuttgart - Adam Hlousek (undisclosed fee)

[article=http://www.vfb.de/en/aktuell/meldungen/news/2014/adam-hlousek-verpflichtung/page/3086-1-1-.html?f2]VfB Stuttgart have agreed terms with 1. FC Nürnberg on the transfer of Adam Hlousek. The 25-year-old midfielder signed on with the Cannstatt club until June 30th, 2014.

At the two clubs he has played with so far in Germany, Kaiserslautern and Nürnberg, Adam Hlousek has made a total of 52 Bundesliga appearances, scoring four goals. In addition, the midfielder has won five caps with the Czech Republic national team. The exact details of the transfer remain undisclosed.

"Adam has established himself in the Bundesliga and has gained international experience. He fits into our requirement profile and will give boost to our play down the left,“ said Director of Sport, Fredi Bobic.

Adam Hlousek also commented on the move: "VfB Stuttgart is a top address in the Bundesliga. After the good time I had in Nuremberg, I am now looking forward to a new challenge and I want to help put VfB back in the region of the table where they belong.“[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Lokomotiv Moscow - Manuel Fernandes (free transfer)

[article=http://www.fclm.ru/en/info/news/index.php?id_4=24391]Lokomotiv have signed a long-term contract with midfielder Manuel Fernandes. The Portuguese will be wearing a #4 T-shirt.

Lokomotiv sportive director Kirill Kotov has commented on the move:

- Our most important task during this transfer window was to boost creativity in midfield. Fernandes is known for his perfect technique and high playing intellect. We are sure he will bring in diversity to our attacking which is vital to succeed in the Europa League.

Manuel Fernandes was born on February 5, 1986 in Amador just outside Lisbon. As a child he played street football together with his friend Luis Nani.

Soon Fernandes was recruited to the Benfica Academy where he grew into a first squad player. He set the club's record as its youngest scorer when he notched a winner against Gil Vicente in his second appearance. His first season at the club brought him the Portuguese Cup.

A year later a regular starter Fernandes helped Benfica win their first champions title in eleven years.

Season-2006/07 started with another success: Benfica won the Portuguese Supercup, Fernandes played almost full time. He debuted in the Champions League in the victorious game against Lille. In the continent's top club tournament Fernandes first scored to Villareal.

He soon travelled to England where the Portuguese joined Portsmouth steered by Harry Redknapp. Pompey employed him in several games but soon he was forced to return to Portugal only to get loaned to Premier League's Everton. At the Toffees' outfit Fernandes scored twice, including a goal to Manchester United.

In summer 2007 the player moved to La Primera to play at Valencia. There he won the Spanish Cup but then again was loaned to Everton.

In Season-2008/09 Manuel became a regular starter at Valencia where he played in 39 games. Unfortunately, an injury spoilt the following season and eventually he ended up in Besiktas. Soon the loaned player signed a contract with the Turks.

In Istanbul, Fernandes immediately became a starter and won the Turkish Cup. At Besiktas he made 112 appearances, scored 20 goals and made 41 assists.

Fernandes played at the Portuguese national team and scored twice. He debuted in 2005 against Ireland when he substituted Cristiano Ronaldo.[/article]

Turkish reports reporting how Besiktas lost out on 12 million euros (his previous buy out clause), having rejected an offer earlier in 13/14 and now seeing him leave as a free agent.

 

[King Binny]

New York City FC - David Villa

[article=http://nycfc.com/News/Latest%20News/2014/June/David-Villa-signs-for-NYCFC]Today, New York City FC is excited and proud to announce the signing of its first player, Spanish superstar and World Cup winner David Villa. The 32-year-old, who last month helped his former club Atletico Madrid to the La Liga title in Spain, joins the newly-formed Major League Soccer team for a three-season commitment.

As the club begins to assemble a competitive and dynamic squad, fans in New York will have the opportunity to watch one of the biggest names in world soccer when the Club’s inaugural season begins in 2015.

“This is a historic and exciting moment for the City family and the building of New York City Football Club,” said City CEO Ferran Soriano. “I know David really well; he is one of the best footballers in the world, a true winner and in an outstanding moment of his career. I’m sure New Yorkers will enjoy watching him play for their city.”

“David Villa is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished soccer players and best strikers in the world,” added Jason Kreis, Head Coach, New York City FC. "I couldn't be happier that we have acquired such an amazing talent as our first-ever signing. David will be a shining example of what it will mean to be a New York City player and a leader for us on and off the field. He is hard working, he is a natural competitor, he is a winner at heart, and he is a terrific man. David has checked every box for what we were looking for in our first signing and it is a great day to be a member of this growing family of a club."

Claudio Reyna, New York City FC Sporting Director commented, “David is the perfect first signing for New York City FC. His individual accomplishments are remarkable. He is the Spanish National Team's all-time top goal scorer as well as the first Spanish player to ever reach 50 international goals. He has won three La Liga championships, the Champions League, and will be playing in his 3rd World Cup this summer in Brazil. His experiences, including winning the 2010 World Cup, will be invaluable for building our club's sporting culture. I couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to New York City and have him as our club’s first player.”

After almost a decade, Villa remains one of the world’s best strikers and is a hero in Spain for his performances in the domestic league and from his international success playing for the national team.

Villa will wear the No.7 shirt as he has done throughout the majority of his career including his time in the formidable Barcelona side between 2010 and 2013.

“Throughout my career I've always tried to keep pushing myself to achieve new targets and this represents another important goal for me”, said David Villa. “I want to try and help MLS continue to grow, through playing, working hard, scoring goals and at the same time try to make New York City FC become the best team in the league. It's a real honor that the people who have formed the club have focused their attention on me. I'm keen to do the best I can, take on board that extra responsibility and prove my worth by repaying the confidence they have shown in me.”

On the prospect of playing at Yankee Stadium, David Villa commented, “I’ve been fortunate enough to have played there before with the national team, but now I'm playing there as part of the home team; I hope a lot of people turn out to watch us. It would be nice to create expectation for the fans before the season starts by playing well and getting good results so that New Yorkers can watch their soccer there, identify with their team and become New York City fans.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Wigan - Andrew Taylor

[article=http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/news/article/14-05-30-andrew-taylor-signs-for-wigan-athletic-1591467.aspx#6UfHrLGzGBurh8YZ.99]Wigan Athletic are delighted to announce that Andrew Taylor has moved to the DW Stadium from Cardiff City.

The 27-year-old left-back has passed a medical at the DW Stadium and put pen to paper on a three year deal until the summer of 2017.

Taylor was a mainstay of the Bluebirds team that won promotion to the Premier League and kept his place in the side in the initial games of last season, until the departure of manager Malky Mackay.

He made over 100 appearances in all competitions for City since joining in 2011 from Middlesbrough, where he had progressed through the youth ranks to play over 150 first-team games – including the Premier League and Europa League.

An FA Youth Cup winner at Boro, Taylor featured alongside current Premier League stars Adam Johnson, Chris Brunt and James Morrison at the Riverside.

On Taylor’s arrival, Latics boss Uwe Rosler said:

“I’m very, very happy to get a player of Andrew’s stature and experience to our football club.

“He helped Malky Mackay’s promotion-winning team, he is a very experienced and reliable player who is at the best stage of his career and I’m looking forward to working with him.

“He has all the qualities in his position that we are looking for; physically, technically he’s very good and tactically he has developed as a player well.

“He’s willing to go forward, participating in our play offensively and he’s another cornerstone in our team for next season.

“The quality he’s shown as a player for Middlesbrough and Cardiff is good but in particularly at Cardiff where he was captain of their promotion-winning team; I think that will do us very well as a team in next season’s campaign, especially when we’re bringing in younger players who need experienced players on the side to develop in the best way.

And Taylor echoed his new manager’s sentiments, stating his desire to take Latics back to the top-flight.

“Wigan Athletic are a big club, with Premier League experience and big aspirations,” he added.

“The manager seems really good and I think his record when he came to the club last season speaks volumes.

“It’s a fresh challenge for me and one I’m very excited about; I had three good years at Cardiff but everything has to come to an end and I’m looking forward to getting started at the DW Stadium.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Norwich - Mark Robson and Gary Holt (First Team Coaches), Joe Royle (Football Consultant)
[article=http://www.canaries.co.uk/news/article/city-confirm-coaching-team-1593403.aspx]NORWICH City can today confirm the appointments of Mark Robson and former Canary Gary Holt as first-team coaches, with former striker Joe Royle joining the Club as football consultant.

Robson retains his first-team role having stepped up from coaching the Canaries' Under-21s to assist manager Neil Adams in the final stages of last season. While Holt returns to City after a year away managing Scottish Championship side Falkirk.

Royle will support and advise Adams' football management team having initially worked with City's new boss when he was manager of Oldham Athletic and Adams was on his playing staff between 1989 and 1994.

City boss Neil Adams told canaries.co.uk: "Mark and Gary are two people I've worked with closely and both will bring enthusiasm, hunger and experience to the coaching team. They have also played at the highest levels in this country.

"Joe is someone who I have played for at both Championship and Premier League level, and he has amassed a vast amount of knowledge during his time in the game. He has been there, seen it and done it so to speak, and has also been very successful during his time as both a player and a manager."

Former England international Joe Royle, who had lengthy spells as a player at Everton and Manchester City, joined Norwich from Bristol City for £60,000 in August 1980. He scored 10 goals during his first season with the Club, lifting the Barry Butler Memorial Trophy as the fans' choice of player of the season.

He began a distinguished managerial career at Oldham, whom he took into the top flight and reached a League Cup final and two FA Cup semi-finals, before further spells at Everton, Manchester City and Ipswich Town. He also had a short spell as caretaker manager back at Oldham in 2009.

Mark Robson joined the Canaries as Senior Professional Development Coach in November 2013 to look after the Under-21 squad, but was promoted to assist Adams when he took over first-team duties initially on a temporary basis at the beginning of April.

Robson had previously been Head Coach at Barnet in 2012 before joining The FA and working with England's Under-17s team. He has also worked as a coach at Peterborough United and Gillingham in recent years, and had a significant spell at Charlton Athletic working for their Academy under Alan Curbishley. A midfielder in his playing days, Robson spent the majority of his career at The Valley too, with spells at Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Notts County.

Former Player of the Season and Hall of Famer Holt returns to the Club where he made 182 appearance in all competitions. He scored three goals in a spell between 2001 and 2005, where he was an integral part of Nigel Worthington's Play-Off Final squad in 2002 and promotion-winning team in 2004. The Scottish international also enjoyed spells at Kilmarnock, Nottingham Forest, Wycombe Wanderers and Colchester United before joining City's Academy set-up as a coach. There he worked with Adams at Under-18s level, helping coach the team towards eventual FA Youth Cup winning glory, before joining Falkirk in April 2013. His first role in management saw him take The Bairns to third in the Scottish Championship, reaching the Scottish Premiership Play-Off Semi-Finals where they were narrowly beaten by Hamilton.

The Club plan to announce the new technical director shortly and are currently interviewing a number of candidates for the position of director of recruitment.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Sporting Lisbon - Oriol Rosell

[article=http://www.sporting.pt/English/News/newsfut_eng_futroselldeal_030614_128832.asp]Sporting Clube de Portugal, Futebol, SAD and Sporting Kansas City have reached a deal for the player Oriol Rosell, on a deal valid for five seasons.

Oriol Rossell, aged 21 and standing 1.82m tall, plays as a defensive midfielder and has penned a deal included a €45,000,000 by-out clause.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Norwich - Lewis Grabban (undisclosed fee, reportedly £3 million)

[article=http://www.canaries.co.uk/news/article/20140605-lewis-grabban-signs-for-norwich-city-1611501.aspx#HQJER8ksMky9ysif.99]NORWICH City can confirm the signing of striker Lewis Grabban from Bournemouth for an undisclosed fee, pending paperwork. Grabban has signed a three-year deal with an option for a further year.

The 26-year-old arrives at Carrow Road having made a total of 93 appearances for The Cherries in a two-year spell, scoring 35 goals. He was Bournemouth's leading goalscorer last season with 22 strikes, helping Eddie Howe's side secure a 10th-place finish in the Sky Bet Championship a year after being promoted from League One.

The striker is City's first summer signing. On his move to Norwich, Grabban exclusively told Canaries.co.uk: "It's good to start a new chapter, get going again with Norwich and hopefully get promotion.

"I've played here before and the atmosphere's been great, the fans are great. It's exciting to be a part of the club now and hopefully do well for them."

City boss Neil Adams added: "I am delighted that Lewis has put pen to paper to become my first signing. He will provide pace, intelligent movement and a high work ethic to the front line, and of course he showed in the Championship last season that he is capable of scoring a variety of different goals.

"Lewis possesses precisely the type of attitude, application and quality that I expect from my players, and I am really looking forward to integrating him into the squad."

Grabban started his career as a trainee at Crystal Palace, before loan spells to Oldham and Motherwell saw him secure a move to Millwall and later Brentford. A move to Rotherham was secured in July 2011, where he went on to make 47 appearances in all competitions and registered 21 strikes that season, before heading to Dean Court in the summer of 2012. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

FC Bayern München - Michael Reschke (Technical Director)

[article=http://www.fcbayern.de/en/news/news/2014/press-release-050614-reschke.php]Michael Reschke is to join FC Bayern München from Bayer 04 Leverkusen as technical director. As requested by board director for sport Matthias Sammer, the 56-year-old will take up the newly-created post with the German double winners on 1 July 2014, supporting Sammer in his responsibilities with the professional playing staff, Junior Team, scouting section and transfer activity. Reschke has spent 35 years with Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen, most recently as squad manager.Commenting on the new hiring from Leverkusen, Matthias Sammer said: “I am extremely pleased we are strengthening our team with Michael Reschke, who I have known for a very, very long time and value highly. It was my express wish for this new position to be created at FC Bayern and filled by Michael Reschke. I know we are welcoming a highly competent and expert colleague and I am looking forward to working with him in the future.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Udinese - Andrea Stramaccioni (Manager)

[article]Former Inter Milan coach Andrea Stramaccioni will take over as Udinese manager on a two-year deal at the start of July, the Serie A club said on Wednesday.

"Udinese Calcio can announce that it has entrusted the management of its first team to Andrea Stramaccioni," Udinese said on their website (www.udinese.it).

Stramaccioni has been on gardening leave at Inter since being replaced by Walter Mazzarri before the start of last season, but the 38-year-old has agreed a settlement with his former club on a contract that was set to run out next year.

He replaces Francesco Guidolin, who after after four years at the helm stepped down as Udinese coach last month to take up a position as a technical advisor to the Pozzo family, who own Udinese, English Championship club Watford and Granada, who play in Spain's La Liga.

Udinese finished 13th in Serie A last season.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Atletico Madrid - Miguel Angel Moya (reportedly £2.5 million)

[article=http://en.clubatleticodemadrid.com/noticias/atletico-and-getafe-reach-an-agreement-for-moyas-transfer]Miguel Angel Moyá will be presented this Thursday, June 5th as a new Atlético player in an event, which will take place - from 12:30 p.m. - in the VIP lounge of the Vicente Calderón Stadium.

The goalkeeper comes to our Club after the transfer agreement achieved with Getafe and after the player passed the medical examinations to which he was submitted this morning at the Fremap clinics in Las Rozas and Majadahonda.

The goalkeeper was born on April 2nd, 1984 in Binisalem (Balearic Islands). He was international in the junior categories of the Spanish National Team achieving two European Championships, one under 16 and another under 19.

The new Atletico goalkeeper was trained in the junior categories of RCD Mallorca, where he played several seasons in its subsidiary, until finally, on August 29th, 2004, he had the chance to debut with the first team in the First Division. Starting next season, following Prats’ withdrawal, he fought to be a first-team player of Mallorca’s team until 2009.

After passing through the vermilion club, he was transferred in June 2009 to Valencia CF. There he played two seasons, after the second one and due to a lack of played minutes, he was loaned to Getafe CF, to which he was transferred to and where he’s been playing the last three seasons, until he signed for Atlético de Madrid.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Roma - Seydou Keita (free transfer)

[article]“AS Roma communicate that they have finalised a contract with the Malian player Seydou Ahmed Keita,” a statement on Roma’s official website reads.

“The contract will run for one year, with an expiry date of June 30 2015.” [/article]

 

[hamstrung_pigeon]

I guess Lambert is still trying to lose his job next season.

-----

Aston Villa - Senderos (free transfer)

Aston Villa have announced that Switzerland international Philippe Senderos has joined the Premier League club on a two-year deal.

The former Arsenal and Fulham defender is moving to Villa Park on a free transfer following a six-month spell with Valencia.

The 29-year-old will fly out with the Swiss national side tomorrow to compete at the World Cup after becoming Paul Lambert's first signing of the summer.

"I'm really delighted to be joining Aston Villa, a great club with such a big history, and for me this is a great step in my career," the player told the club's official website.

"There will be a lot of competition for places with Ron Vlaar, Ciaran Clark, Nathan Baker and Jores Okore also very capable Premier League defenders, so it will be up to me to fight for and to earn my place in the team.

"This is a team and a club which wants to do better, I know this, and hopefully we can all develop together and create something special.

"My goal is to help the team keep as many clean sheets as we can and to help drive Villa where we deserve to be and want to be."

Swiss national coach Ottmar Hitzfeld -- who was also Lambert's mentor at Borussia Dortmund -- says that Senderos has "never disappointed on the pitch," and the centre-back is ready to use his experience to help the Villans' young squad succeed.

"I have come to an age where I've learnt a lot under some great managers such as Arsene Wenger at Arsenal and Ottmar Hitzfeld and I've built up a lot of experience," he continued.

"I can develop further and continue to get better and this will be my goal -- to continue to grow as a player, to help the team to grow and to contribute everything I can through the season.

"With Brad Guzan in Brazil with the USA squad and Ron Vlaar in the Dutch squad, that's a great deal of experience we'll be able to bring into the new season and, of course, Ciaran and Jores are also playing in their national teams. It's good to have this level of pedigree at the heart of the team's defence.

"I'm also excited to work with Paul Lambert whom I know has a great deal of respect also for Ottmar Hitzfeld and my challenge will be to vindicate the trust he has shown in bringing me to Villa."

Villans coach Lambert marked out the defender's "strong mentality" and experience as key factors for signing him from La Liga side Valencia.

"He's played for some top sides and was a big influence in Arsenal's run to the Champions League final in 2006, so we're bringing in a really experienced player who's been there and done it and that will be important for the team," Lambert said.

"I went to Switzerland not long ago to watch the national team train and I could see he has a good, strong mentality for the game. Ottmar knows players and for him to say that Philippe has never disappointed him on the pitch, that's no small commendation.

"This will be Philippe's third World Cup finals and there aren't too many players who compete at that level over that stretch of time. He'll be a great addition to the group."

 

[King Binny]

AS Monaco - Leonardo Jardim (Head Coach)

[article=http://www.asm-fc.com/en/article/leonardo-jardim-joins-as-monaco-65037.html]AS Monaco is delighted to announce the appointment of Leonardo Jardim as new head coach for the next two seasons, 2014-2015 and 2015-2016, with a one-year option.

The Portuguese coach will take charge of the squad on June the 30th for the start of preseason training.

A press conference introducing the new head coach, Leonardo Jardim, will be held soon.

Leonardo Jardim, new manager of AS Monaco, statement : "I am very happy to work for Monaco as it is a big club. I fully believe in this project and I think that this group can go far. AS Monaco is a team with players full of quality. There are many young players with a lot of talent. I am going to do everything to help them progress. The first thing is to start learning to speak French. I have been taking lessons for a few days now, it is question of respect towards the supporters, and the people of Ligue 1."

Vadim Vasilyev, AS Monaco vice president, statement : "He is a manager who has obtained excellent results with all of his previous clubs. He has a strong motivation and is part of a new generation of managers with new dynamics. He is ambitious, just like us. This is exactly the type of profile that we have established. We were instantly convinced that Leonardo Jardim was the man to take our project forward. We are delighted to be working with him."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

OFI Crete - Gennaro Gattuso (Head Coach)

[article]Gennaro Gattuso has this afternoon been named as the new Coach of Greek outfit OFI Crete.

The former Milan midfielder began last season as Palermo boss but was sacked after a poor start to the Sicilian club’s Serie B promotion bid.

He also previously had a spell as Player-coach at Swiss team Sion, which he left to take charge of the Rosaneri.

The 36-year-old has now secured his return to the dugout in charge of the island team, who finished sixth in this season’s Greek Super League.

He has joined the club on a one-year contract.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

FC Cologne - Yuya Osako

[article=http://www.fc-koeln.de/en/news/singleview/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=7826&cHash=543bdf347a963f58c272d64912baa1c9]1. FC Cologne have signed Japan international Yuya Osako for the upcoming season. After passing the sports medical examination, the 24-year-old striker receives a contract until 30 June 2017. There is general agreement on maintaining silence about the transfer details.

'Yuya Osako is a variable and goal-threatening offensive player, who perfectly completes our personnel in attack. That he has opted for FC in spite of numerous offers is a positive sign for 1. FC Cologne, especially prior to the World Cup', says FC sports executive Jörg Schmadtke.

Yuya Osako had switched from the Japanese first division side of Kashima Antlers to Munich this January. For the Bavarians he appeared in 15 matches, scoring six goals (three assists). Osako is part of the Japanese squad at the World Cup in Brazil, which is going to start on 12 June. He has represented his country in nine matches, in which he could score three times.

Osako states, 'I am very happy to play in front of the fantastic fans in Cologne and I am sure that I can still improve myself in the Bundesliga, being one of the best leagues in the world. I would like to thank everybody in the club at 1860 Munich for their support. Having taken this decision, I feel relieved and, as a result, I can fully concentrate on the World Cup.'[/article]